Officials Warn Michiganders: Rain Won’t Stop Michigan Wildfire Threat

Firefighters in Northern Michigan are making headway as they battle a wildfire that broke out near Houghton Lake over the weekend. The blaze started Sunday morning (October 5, 2025) in the Roscommon State Forest area, just east of Old U.S. 27 near the Clare-Roscommon county line.

Firefighters Battle Dry Marshland and High Winds

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the fire has burned around 95 acres and was about 75% contained as of Monday afternoon. Crews from the DNR and local fire departments have been working through thick marshland and mixed pine forest, using fire engines, bulldozers, and even drones to map and monitor the flames from above.

According to Jeff Vasher, the DNR’s resource protection manager for Michigan’s Lower Peninsula:

It’s very dry out there — we haven’t had rain in about three weeks. The marsh should have water in it, but it doesn’t, and that’s where it’s really active burning.

High winds have made the job even tougher, but firefighters are holding the lines and reinforcing containment zones. The DNR hopes to have the fire fully contained soon, weather permitting. A cold front is moving in with a small chance of rain, but officials say it likely won’t be enough to make a dent in Michigan’s widespread drought.

Caution Urged as Drought Keeps Fire Danger High

Paul Rogers, a DNR fire prevention specialist, says that 85% of wildfires in Michigan start as human debris fires — and right now, even a small spark could cause big problems. Burn permits have been suspended since October 3, and residents are urged to avoid any kind of outdoor burning until conditions improve.

If you must have a campfire, Rogers adds:

Keep water nearby and make sure your fire is completely out and cold before you go to bed.

With drought conditions stretching from Muskegon to Saginaw Bay and fire danger rated “High” to “Very High” across much of the Lower Peninsula, officials are asking everyone to stay alert and use extra caution until Michigan gets the soaking rain it desperately needs.